Cathy – Page 47

Papa’s Donuts – malasadas! (La Mesa)

February 13, 2016 Cathy Bakery, Desserts, Hawaiian Food, What Cathy Eats!

Papa's Donuts has closed. It will be missed.

Thanks for stopping to read mmm-yoso!!! during your perusal of the interwebs. Kirk usually writes posts here, but he is too busy vacationing. Ed (from Yuma) is too busy to write a post today. Cathy is writing this one about a newer place with some unique products and some very well made common products.

There are many small businesses located along Lake Murray Boulevard and The Mister and I were so happy to have found this one. Papa's opened in late August 2014, but we were unaware.Papa's Donuts is in a small storefront located at the far end of the Big Lots anchored strip mall (across the street from the Ross Dress for Less anchored strip mall).

We first stopped here in December. Subsequently, we've noticed sandwich board signs at various sidewalk locations on the block and at the median, pointing where to turn.

Stepping into the store early one rainy morning, we noticed racks of fresh donuts ready to be placed in the display cases. Walking in, to your right, one of the wall menu boards is updated daily with a "Special" as well 'filling of the day' for the malasadas (a Portuguese treat, re-tooled and made famous in Hawaii, at Leonard's, which Kirk mentioned in a 2012 post).

«—Click the thumbnail for the story of the Bobby "O", the donut special available only on weekends.

Behold, the Bobby "O". Its cross section-that's haupia cream (light flavored young coconut; not a concentrated sweet coconut flavor) the topping is a wonderful dark chocolate and it is topped with chopped macadamia nuts. So delightful, so fresh and so special. (The price is 95¢-a fancy donut without a fancy price).Everything is made fresh daily, because there are no leftovers: from 5 p.m.-closing, donuts are $5/dozen.The malasada trays are right in front as you walk in. 3 for $2.50 and, as tradition, you are given a warm, unfilled, sugar/cinnamon coated treat when you leave.The amount of fillings vary (Lilikoi is passion fruit and has such a strong flavor that not much is needed) and each one I've had is a wonderful treat. {Above are the guava, lilikoi and haupia (young coconut)}.

Another great little family owned and run business!

Papa's Donuts 6179 Lake Murray Blvd La Mesa, 91942 (619) 741-5135 Website Open Mon-Fri 5 a.m.-7 p.m., Sat 6 a.m.-7 p.m., Sun 6 a.m.-4 p.m.

These are from that first menu board- raspberry fruit jelly, dobosh (dark) chocolate and bavarian custard flavors. That's half a French Cruller; the donuts here are a normal, old fashioned size.

Pho Pasteur Anh Hong (revisit)

February 12, 2016 Cathy Salads, Vietnamese Restaurants, What Cathy Eats!

Kirk is on (another) vacation, Ed (from Yuma) is enjoying Yuma and Cathy is writing this post about food for mmm-yoso!!!

The weather in San Diego has been unusual so far this year, from freezing temperatures to heavy, flooding rains, damaging winds and then yesterday, temperatures in the 90's. It's confusing on how to dress-layering a sweater over a long sleeve t-shirt over a short sleeve shirt seems necessary. Then 'what's for lunch' diverges into thoughts of both warming soups to refreshing salads. A recent solution was found at Pho Pasteur, which I've written about, several times.
Not much here has changed over the years; still the same glass top over pink tablecloths and consistent food. The mall, however lost its anchor business on August 4 last year and it seems that permitting to rebuild has taken a very long time.

Since I am the 'always chilly' person lately, a bowl of my favorite Mien Ga (bean thread with chicken soup) ($6.99) was the plan for this meal.The add-ins were used for the 'second half' of this bowl, making the flavor profile a bit different, like a new bowl of soup. Both The Mister and I enjoy trying various versions of Banh Xeo ($5.99) and the pancake with its light turmeric flavor and crunchiness with fresh fillings of pork, shrimp, bean sprouts and mung bean was just right when wrapped inside pieces of lettuce and mint and dipped in the bowl of Nuoc Cham (sweet, salty and sour!).Two summers ago, I was in search of the best version of Goi Bo (beef salad) ($10.99) and after much comparison shopping, the final determination is that my favorite version is made at Pho Pasteur Anh Hong. The slices of cooked marinated beef mixed with the thin, thin uniquely sliced (regular and pickled) vegetables, chopped peanuts and basil combine to make this salad so satisfying as a meal.

All in all, a really good hot/cold meal.

Pho Pasteur Ahn Hong 7612 Linda Vista road San Diego 92111 (858) 569-7515

Grinds & Vine- a coffee bar, with food (Inside Negotiant Winery) (North Park)

February 9, 2016 Cathy American/New American Restaurants, Caffeine Fix

Grinds & Vine has closed

Here you are, back at mmm-yoso!!!, looking for someplace new, different or just to see if Kirk or Ed (from Yuma) or Cathy go to the same places as you. Today's post is written by Cathy.

In between rainy and windy days, there tend to be some really beautiful ones interspersed here in San Diego County. Driving East on El Cajon Boulevard one of those days, we noticed the signage above the building as well as a sandwich board on the sidewalk. You know we had to stop.Curious about the idea of having to go though the Winery door to get to the coffee shop area, we walked in and looked to the right, where the sunlight was streaming in through the open roll up wall door; because it is being constructed to be a pre-order and drive up spot.

Back inside, there is a walk up sort of grab and go case of pastries, pre-made sandwiches, salads and bottled/canned beverages. But there is also a small menu of foods as well as beverages (hot, cold, smoothies). The coffees are from both Lavazza and Bird Rock.We decided to try an iced coffee (the cold brew was not ready) which is kept cold with coffee ice cubes (you have no idea how much I appreciate non-diluting chilling methods). There are so many 'Specialty' drinks offered here, a few seen on this blog post by cc, from September.
The Mister decided to try a 'Kale Superfood Salad' ($7.95) (add rotisserie chicken $3.50). The bowl it was served in was quite large and deep. We shared and this was great, quite enough food.The only person working that day was the owner and we overheard him talking to some 'regulars' about a Special for $6 and decided to order it. Thick slices of cucumber, toped with a thick layer of goat cheese, topped with a nicely sweet/spicy chutney (there was ginger in it) and drizzled with honey. Simple, yet a flavor combination I never considered. We have since purchased several chutneys at Trader Joe's and enjoyed a similar snack at home.

Grinds and Vine Coffee Bar 2419 El Cajon Blvd San Diego 92104 (Between Texas Street and Arizona Street) (619) 512-2423 Website Closed Mondays. Tue and Wed 6:30 am – 3:00 pm. Thur and Fri 6:30 am – 3:00 pm and 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm. Sat 7:30 am – 3:00 pm and 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm. Sun 8:00 am – 2:00 pm

Lemon Grove Deli & Grill- revisits/new ownership

February 8, 2016 Cathy American/New American Restaurants, Breakfast/Brunch, Sandwiches, What Cathy Eats!

This is mmm-yoso!!!, a food blog. Kirk (and his Missus) are on vacation. Ed (from Yuma) (and Tina) have also been on vacation. Cathy (and her Mister) have been staying in the County and eating food after taking photos of it. She is posting today.

In April of 2015, Howard's Lemon Grove Deli & Grill was sold to a new family after many decades as a mainstay on Broadway Avenue. The new owners are a very nice Italian family, who have made a few cosmetic improvements to the interior and tweaked the menu.

The exterior is pretty much the same. You can walk in and find a seat or stand and order items 'To Go'. The menu is on the back wall.The corned beef hash and eggs ($8.99) is always a good choice. Two eggs, a choice of home fries or hash browns, and a choice of toast, biscuit and gravy or pancakes are al part of the meal. The corned beef hash is very good and not too salty.Two visits, I've ordered each of the breakfast sandwiches on the menu. Both with rye toast. The top photo is the "Ultimate Breakfast Sandwich" ($7.75)- scrambled eggs, cheese, bacon, ham, sausage, mushrooms, bell pepper and avocado. Hearty and good.

The bottom photo (directly above) is the simpler "Breakfast Sandwich" ($5.75)- Scrambled eggs, cheese (you have a choice of cheeses) and ham or bacon or sausage. Bacon in this case. Unfortunately the Eggs Benedict is no longer on the menu, but a "Grilled Bone In Ham Steak" with eggs ($9.75) is. The Benedict and its sauce was very good when we ordered it. The home fries are the same as in this photo. Since there is an easy way to order online, I've done it a few times. The "Famous Pastrami" ($8.50) is large enough for two. The bread is grilled, there's a choice of cheese and a choice of ingredients. 8 ounces of meat. Really good sandwiches here.

Its great that the Roberto family has kept this East County institution going.

Lemon Grove Deli & Grill 7860 Broadway Lemon Grove CA 91945 (619)464-2928 Website Open daily at 7 a.m Closes at 4 p.m. Mon-Thurs and Sat; closes at 5 on Fri; closes at 2 on Sun Website

Celebrating Chinese New Year early – at Sam Woo BBQ

February 7, 2016 Cathy Breakfast/Brunch, Chinese Restaurants, What Cathy Eats!

mmm-yoso!!! is the name of the food blog you are reading. Kirk is not writing today (remember, he needs a vacation), nor is Ed(from Yuma). Cathy has a short post.

The Mister and I usually go out to breakfast on weekdays, but know that if we can get somewhere early on a weekend day, most places are not crowded. Since we also try to get shopping in early, 99 Ranch Market is sometimes a weekend stop.The exterior is decorated for the Chinese Lunar New Year celebration, which is Monday February 8 this year. Inside the store are decorations, gift baskets, treats and many choices of red paper envelopes to purchase. Across the hall, Sam Woo BBQ opens for breakfast from 9-11 a.m. Monday-Friday and 8:30-11 on the weekend.

The menu has 31 items (each $4.25). { In 2007, breakfast items were $3.20, in 2009, the price had jumped to $3.50 in 2011, breakfast prices dropped to $3.25. Good times. Still, worth it.}

Hot tea or a very strong cup of coffee, served with sweetened condensed milk is still only 30¢ (hot tea is free at lunch and dinner).We usually order three items, one always some sort of soup or porridge. This time, #11, Shrimp Dumpling Noodle Soup- yellow eggy noodles and five shrimp with pork stuffed dumplings along with a piece or two of bok choy. The soup bowl is large.

The #23, Roast Duck Lo Mein, served 'dry', with a rich with anise flavored broth on the side is just a perfect breakfast for me. The meaty duck with its crisp skin along with the noodles and broth is fresh and satisfying.The top item on the menu (#1), Stir Fried Rice Vermicelli with Luncheon Meat is another great item. Two types of onion, sprouts and slices of luncheon meat all stir fried in a wonderful seasoned wok has such flavor that either this or the bottom item on the menu (Fried Rice with Luncheon Meat) is always ordered. If we can't finish all of the food, those can be re-heated.

Sam Woo BBQ inside 99Ranch Complex 7330 Clairmont Mesa Blvd San Diego 92111 (619)505-9888 fax (619)514-8988 Breakfast 9:00 -11:00 a.m. M-F, 8:30-11:00 a.m. Sat-Sun

We wish all of our mmm-yoso!!! readers good health, wealth and luck for the forthcoming year of the Monkey!

This is a link to an amusing article about Chinese New Year do's and don'ts, from Australia (turn down the sound!)

2016 Rose Parade Showcase of Floats, Breakfast at Philippe the Original, Snack at House of Cookies

February 6, 2016 Cathy American/New American Restaurants, Bakery, Breakfast/Brunch, Festivals & Events, Los Angeles County, What Cathy Eats!

Thank you for stopping to read mmm-yoso!!!, a blog with almost daily posts about food. For over ten years, Kirk along with some help from Ed (from Yuma) and Cathy (and a couple of others) have been sharing cooked and purchased meals and incidental stories to go along with the consumption of said meals. Today, Cathy is writing.

On January 2 of this year, The Mister and I drove to Pasadena to see the 2016 Tournament of Roses Rose Parade floats lined up end to end, at the Showcase of Floats. The 42+ floats were viewable at 2 p.m. on January 1, but we were watching a football game and didn't want to drive up. I've been keeping you up to date with the float road tests as well as a day when we helped decorate floats for this parade, themed "Find Your Adventure", which was co-sponsored by the National Park Service (which is celebrating its 100th year as a government agency). This gathering is all the floats at the end of the parade route, on display following almost a year of work.The City of Los Angeles float "Discover Los Angeles" is the float that Dennis, The Mister and I worked on and it is quite beautiful with all the organic materials.

Singpoli Group's float "Marco Polo- East Meets West" and the detail of one of the dragon paws gives you an idea of the work that goes into each of the floats in the parade.

The Lions Club "Camps for All Abilities" float was a magnificent display of use of live and dry materials.The South Dakota Department of Tourism sponsored this float, "The Great Faces and Great Places of South Dakota", which was overwhelming in detail. Notice the multiple colors/materials used to depict the carved rock and shading of Mount Rushmore. This was my favorite.Rotary International float, "Working Together for Peace" was filled with great details, like this grasshopper on a watering can.
Trader Joe's "Fearless Flyer" in full decoration (he's even wearing a Hawaiian shirt) was magnificent.The details of The Sierra Madre "Rollin on the River" are just beautiful.The 'bees' stuck on the beehive on the Miracle-Gro "Life Starts Here" float are really peanuts!The American Heart Association teamed up with Union Bank to celebrate its 30th anniversary in "A Union of Hearts". So Cute! People were posing along the side of the surreally large "Every Second is an Adventure"float sponsored by the Los Angeles Lakers.Northwestern Mutual sponsored this float, "Dancing Into Adventure". The City of South Pasadena constructed and decorated "Fishing Follies".

"Adventures in Real Food" sponsored by Real California Milk was displayed next to several booths which were handing out samples of yogurt and cheese, along with coupons and t-shirts.Just to give you an idea of how crowded the Showcase can get, this is a view from the East end at about 10 a.m.. That's the Royal Court float a bit to the left; they were posing for photos.

All in all, a great parade. The theme for the 2017 Parade has been announced: "Echoes of Success" and the planning has begun.

Of course, there was food involved in this day. Since the Showcase opens to the general public at 9 (although Seniors and Handicapped can go to view the floats as early as 7 a.m.) we drove up at a leisurely pace and took the 101 from the 5.Philippe The Original opens at 6 a.m. daily. Kirk has posted about a meal here and so have I. It's the same system, just not as busy in the morning. Walk up, order and the nice lady orders from the kitchen, which prepares most of the meal while she is preparing your tray. You pay her (they take credit cards now!), grab the tray and find a table. The whole meal was $15.04. I am fascinated with this self serve water dispenser; it reminds me of elementary school.The ham and cheese omelet is $6.60- it comes with the potatoes, biscuit (or toast) and coffee (or tea or juice). Quite large and good.The egg & cheese sandwich with sausage ($5.60) because I always order breakfast sandwiches. I like this version. A slice of still warm fresh made coffee cake ($1.60) rounded out this meal.

Philippe the Original 1001 N. Alameda Street Los Angeles 90012 (213)628-1731 open seven days 6 a.m.-10 p.m. Website

When we drive to the Showcase, there are three entrances. You can park for free and take a bus directly to an entrance gate for $3, pay for parking closer, or park a bit farther on a neighborhood street for free and walk. We park on Washington Street, nearest the North entrance. We've stopped at House of Cookies, run by a very nice husband and wife only a few times over the years, I posted about it once. The wife (who is usually working) remembers us. This year she asked why we don't stop in more often…and we told her that we live in San Diego. She was surprised that we stop at her place, and we were surprised she remembered us. It was nice.
The store is a tiny tiny place. Everything is fresh and tasty.
We bought the potato cheese filled puffy pastry and the Napoleon and the tiramisu all for less than $4.

This was a great second day of 2016 and prepared us for the upcoming year.

Arsen Bakery House of Cookies 2451 East Washington Blvd. Pasadena, CA 91104 (626)794-4280

Canela- Mexico City Cuisine (El Cajon)

February 5, 2016 Cathy Mexican Restaurants, What Cathy Eats!

Canela has closed. It will be missed.

mmm-yoso!!! a food blog written by friends Kirk, Ed (from Yuma) and Cathy. Today, Cathy is writing.

Kirk has been posting non-stop most of this year, all the while working a lot of overtime; he (and His Missus) need a vacation. I've got plenty of places to write about and so does Ed (from Yuma), so we will be posting about some new places and foods we have consumed.

In an obscure mall, (anchored by Boot Barn) located South West of Parkway Plaza at Johnson and Arnele, there used to be a family-owned taco shop which had enough walk in business that they never advertised or offered coupons. It was a great place that I never blogged about; a secret. After almost 20 years, that family retired. Around August, another family took over and opened Canela.Located at the corner of the buildings, it could be easily missed. Inside is not too large, with about five barstool height tables and five booths.
It is a walk up, order, pay and have a seat type of place. It is a not a taco shop. Yes, there are tacos and burritos on the menu, but look closely (the two thumbnails are of a current menu)..there are sopes, hurraches, mole, soups (including pozole and mole de olla). This is Mexico City cuisine, made to order and of high quality.
Eating in, a small order of chips and (house made) salsas are brought out while you wait. The first visit, a few months ago, had me only ordering a plain quesadilla ($4)…I had recently been to a taco shop that served a flour tortilla filled with slices of American cheese and was wary (no, I won't even post about it). This was an excellent simple meal- the tortilla was fresh and the cheese was meltier than usual, in a good way.
Returning with The Mister, I was eager to try an enchilada, along with each of the house-made sauces (which were completely different than the red and green sauces that are brought out with the chips-you already know I'm obsessive about sauces)($2.25 each). These cheese filled house made corn tortillas, topped with the mild green and perkier red sauces were excellent. (There is an enchilada combo plate I could have ordered, but they did not want to mix the sauces on the plate. I still don't know which sauce I liked more.) The Mister ordered a tostada bowl ($6.25), thinking it would be mostly salad, but it was mostly beef. A nice, flavorful almost asada beef. It was so good.
When we were leaving, there were no other customers and I remarked that I like sauces and was curious about the mole negro. The nice ladies working gave us a sample to try. I could taste the sweetness of cinnamon, raisin and Mexican chocolate along with garlic and oregano. There was also a distinctive nut flavor along with at least three different chiles – pasilla, ancho and smoky chipotle.
When we went back last week, the mole negro plate ($9.50) was ordered. There was also mole pipian (green mole that is sort of tangy and with a spicy/heat flavor, opposed to the sweetness of negro) available. The smooth, black mole was served over two chicken breast pieces with rice and refried beans.This blended with the chicken and rice and was lovely just plain on a spoon. The multiple flavors of of the mole were even more pronounced, probably because there was a good amount on the plate.

Wanting to try a Mexico City Style quesadilla ($6), which is fried, there were a few choices of filling: mushroom, squash blossom or, as you can see above, huitlacoche. This was the most interesting version of a quesadilla because of the melted stringy Oaxaca cheese mixed with the delightful corn smut all in a perfectly fried fresh made corn and flour shell.
The light snack of a fresh made huarache ($6) was shared. This fresh thin and flat fried corn masa shell was topped with refried beans and the same marinated beef as we had with the tostada bowl. That's a good Mexican crema on top of everything; much nicer than sour cream.

A great addition to the East County.

Canela Mexico City Cuisine 795 Arnele Avenue El Cajon 92020 (619) 729-9952 opens at 9 a.m. daily (it is open on Sunday)

The beverages here, jamaica, horchata, atole and (above) champurrado are made from scratch. As I mentioned, quality.

T’s Cafe Restaurant & Bar (Solana Beach) (Breakfast)

January 27, 2016 Cathy American/New American Restaurants, Breakfast/Brunch, What Cathy Eats!

Thank you for reading mmm-yoso!!! all these years. Kirk really needs a break and so does Ed (from Yuma); Cathy is writing her first post of 2016…so much for that resolution to help Kirk on a more regular basis…

Late last year, The Mister and I were driving down Highway 101, looking for breakfast and noticed cars in front of this unassuming Cafe. We decided to park and walk in.Noticing the narrow ramped entrance and neatly decorated lobby, the architecture and decor made us think this restaurant must have been here a long time. The menu (a small photo is at the bottom of this post) states that T's Cafe Restaurant and Bar has been family owned and operated since 1978. This was a chilly morning and we saw an empty table near the fireplace and asked to be seated there. We were here close to the 7 a.m. opening and only two other tables were occupied at the time.The walls are filled with historic photos and descriptions of the local (Solana) area. The seating area is comfortable. There is a back patio area that is used for groups. The Mister has been on a waffle kick for the past few months and this day was no exception. He ordered the "Combo Wombo" ($11.95) with over easy (local) eggs, (homemade) sausage patties and a really good Belgian waffle. He could have chosen bacon or ham and also French Toast or pancakes. This was a tasty and filling meal.Noticing the corned beef hash was also homemade, was definitely my choice. ($11.25) I chose poached (local) eggs, rye toast and grits. The corned beef was finely ground and mixed with a minimal amount of potatoes and fresh herbs. It was light and fluffy in the center while being lightly crisped on the edges; a really excellent version.It is difficult to find good grits and these are excellent. You can see a pat of butter was 'hidden' in the middle of my serving.

So glad we stopped and discovered another local place.

T's Cafe 271 N Highway 101 Solana Beach, CA 92075 (858) 755-7642 Open Wednesday-Monday 7 a.m.-2 p.m., closed Tuesday

Swami’s (La Mesa)

December 29, 2015 Cathy American/New American Restaurants, Breakfast/Brunch, What Cathy Eats!

mmm-yoso!!! is a regularly posting blog about food (for the most part). Kirk, Ed (from Yuma) and Cathy are the usual writers here, sharing some sort of food memory, along with random factoids. Today is a meal from Cathy.

The Mister and I don't usually stop at the Swami's in downtown La Mesa unless we are there before the parking meters are enforced. But most of the summer, there had been much street construction on and around La Mesa Boulevard and parking has been free. The street did just re-open before Christmas, with new bench seating and just a nicer, cleaner 'Village" feel.There are six (and soon to be seven) locations of Swami's in the County, the first opened on Highway 101 in Encinitas in 2005. There are also two other East County restaurants ( La Mesa Bistro and Bakery and ECB (El Cajon Bistro) which are also owned by the same family and follow the same business model (walk up, order and pay and your food is brought out to you), similar menu (in choices and chalkboard presentation) and local wall mural decoration in the eating area. The consistency and extensive menu choices between all locations is comforting.

Family and friends who come to visit are usually from another time zone and at 6 a.m. here, their internal clocks are telling them it is 9 a.m. and they are ready for breakfast (all locations open at 7 a.m.), so one of the Swami or Bistro locations is a usual spot of us when we don't want to cook at home. But, in the case of free parking, we did stop at the La Mesa location for breakfast a few weeks ago.

The Mister has been having waffle cravings for the past few months and the Granola Multigrain Belgian waffle ($9.95) with strawberries was his (predictable, to me) choice one morning. The whole grain batter and added crunchiness is a little sweet and a sort of blend of healthiness (that Coca Cola bottle is holding warm maple syrup, for people who want even more sweetness). He added two eggs and bacon for $3, making this quite a large meal.The breakfast (ABC) quesadilla ($9.95) comes with a choice of fruit or potato, and my choice was predictable as well. The avocado, bacon, cheese and egg on the wheat tortilla is filling and tasty. Again, it's a good start to the day.

Another local, family owned business.

Swami's 8284 La Mesa Boulevard La Mesa 91941 (619) 668-9030 Mon-Sat 7 a.m.-9 p.m. Sun 7 a.m.-3 p.m. (all locations) Website

2016 Rose Parade Float Decorating and other year end activities

December 26, 2015 Cathy American/New American Restaurants, Bakery, Breakfast/Brunch, Burgers, Chains, Festivals & Events, What Cathy Eats!, yoso-silly

Thanks for stopping by to read mmm-yoso!!!, primarily a food blog. Now that Christmas is over, Kirk and Ed(from Yuma) are relaxing. Cathy is switching into overdrive, because she's been following traditions which continue until the 12th Night after Christmas Day.

On the drive home after The Mister and I had another non-traditional Thanksgiving meal, we talked about our next drive to Pasadena which was almost a monthly road trip this year. I had signed us up to volunteer to decorate Rose Parade floats back in June, choosing a Saturday in early December. When we arrived to check in, fellow blogger, Dennis, was also at the Rose Palace decorating barn of Phoenix Decorating Company, fulfilling one of many items on his "Bucket List". The view from the floor when we walked in is amazing.

There were two floats still under construction ( sponsored by United Sikh Mission, to the right in the above photo)… and this one, sponsored by Farmers Insurance. This float, mentioned/pictured in my October Road Test post will be following behind the main part of the Farmers Insurance float.

It was a day of preparation of dried flowers (so they could be pulverized in blenders and then the powder glued onto the floats), 'beaning' and 'seeding' and various jobs involving glue. More soothing and meditative, not the frenzy of fresh flower preparation (including the filling of thousands of vials with water) which begins today and continues until judging on the 31st. Taking a break, Dennis and I climbed to the catwalk (where the general public can also walk, for a fee) to take some photos…

The parade will be on television, kicking off at 8 a.m. on January 1. If you'd like to follow along and know the Order of the March, this link to the Pasadena Examiner lists each participant in order. There is also an app (it's free), mentioned on the the Tournament web site of the 2016 Parade Program. Beginning on page 39, there is a short paragraph explaining each participant and a photo of the band, equestrian unit, or the artist rendition of the float as it will appear in the parade. The Theme of "Find Your Adventure" combined with the co-sponsorship with the National Park Service (and the beginning of the NPS 100th year) is sure to make this parade one to remember!

Since this is a food blog…our meals that day…since we didn't have to leave the house at our usual 5 a.m., we had some breakfast at home then stopped in Tustin for cheesy delights; my most favorite version of ham and cheese baked into a bread and, on the left…a sort of cracker-cheese with a bit of flour; just the right amounts of each for a lightly salty, crispy pastry. Once again, we didn't purchase the delicious strawberry confections that Cream Pan is famous for. Cream Pan Bakery website

We did bring our own lunch, some sandwiches, and had those with coffee at the nearby Starbucks.

On the way home, there was one stop and then we saw horrible traffic, so ended up taking side roads to try to avoid, eventually stopping at the Etiwanda Avenue (in Mira Loma) location of Farmer Boys
Where I ordered my 'usual' breakfast sandwich (this time with bacon) and The Mister tried some sort of chicken/cheese/avocado/bacon sandwich… I have no description, except it was good as always; we were exhausted. Farmer Boys Website

Leaving the decorating barn, we had stopped at Orchard Supply Hardware in Pasadena to pick up the first of 2016 business giveaway calendars.Orchard Supply always has a train themed calendar and this year is the first time (in 85 years of calendars) when an artist's work has been featured two years in a row. The artist, Ken Muramoto, is extremely talented (and the youngest artist who has contributed to the tradition of OSH calendars). You can read about him HERE.

I enjoy the Vallarta Market calendar, because it lists the Days of the Saints in a format I can look at randomly. The Nijiya calendar is always beautiful. The Vietnamese Market Thuan Phat's calendar is HUGE and beautiful. The calendar from Lucky Seafood was…um…interesting this year. I know there are alway several designs chosen for the printing. This one we received well…I just never thought of a cartoony Asian man taking a selfie…but this calendar will be in my kitchen and I am sure it will make me smile every single morning in 2016.

The Mister and I also went to Fort Rosecrans, just after the annual volunteers from Wreaths Across America had finished placing wreaths in memoriam of our fallen military. Not every grave was covered, but each year a different section is completely filled. Volunteers will be needed for cleanup the second to last Saturday in January.
Once again, before our trek to the Cemetery, we stopped at P.L. Bagels for a buttered, toasted (available on weekends only) bialy and a (similarly prepared and available every day) everything bagel. Reasonable size, fresh made daily, seeds on the top AND bottom and sold until they run out. This family owned and run San Diego institution is great. P.L. Bagels 3704 Voltaire Street, Suite 107 San Diego 92107 (619) 223-4788 open daily 6a.m.-1 p.m.
Finally, one last local institution (more than 50 years in the same location) is closing and moving, because the land on that corner is more valuable than whatever rent the owner can get from the gas station, car wash and Mary's Donuts, combined. I've briefly mentioned Mary's in only two posts over all these years, but it is walking distance from home and since it is open 24/7…it is very much part of our 'rotation'. The new location is even a bit closer for us, but the ambiance just won't be the same…I hope the donuts are.

Mary's Donuts 9031 Mission Gorge Road Santee 92071 (619) 448-4800

I hope you are having a wonderful Season.